Once the domains and “Feature Classes” have been created and configured, there are two main options for populating them: manual digitizing of features or importing data from existing vector layers. This section focuses on importing data from a “Shapefile”.
To import data from a “Shapefile” into the “Feature Class” named ROAD_L located within the “Feature Dataset” named C_ROAD_AXIS, right-click on ROAD_L and select Load Data.
This action opens the Append tool, where several parameters must be configured to complete the process successfully.
Append Tool Configuration
- Input Datasets: Add the shapefile to be imported. In this example, select the layer ROAD_L.shp located in the folder 15_geodatabase.
- Field Matching Type: Choose the option Use the field map to reconcile field differences.
- Field Map: If the fields in the “Feature Class” and the “Shapefile” match in both name and data type, they are automatically matched. If not, a warning icon will appear, indicating that manual matching is required.
To manually associate fields, click on Edit Field Properties. In the new pop-up window, use the Add New Source Field option to link the source field from the “Shapefile” to the target field in the “Feature Class”. For example, to map the field DESCRIPTION, it must be manually linked to DESCRIPTIO from the shapefile.
Importing information into a “Feature Class” from a “Shapefile”.
Repeat this field-matching process for any additional fields that do not align automatically. This method can be applied to other layers within the geodatabase as needed.
It is important to note that while the procedure remains consistent in ArcGIS Pro, the interface may vary slightly depending on the software version. Users working with versions prior to ArcGIS Pro 3.2 may encounter visual differences, but the functionality is similar.